Insiders Reveal Top Trade Destinations For Three-Time All-Star
Every year, trade rumors swirl around New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, but this season, the Mets are expected to trade him before the deadline, with several possible destinations on their radar. For the second season in a row, the Mets have been one of the biggest letdowns in baseball. At 28-36, their postseason chances are dwindling, leading MLB insiders to suggest a deadline fire sale could be imminent.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that “a handful of their prized players [are] expected to be dealt.” With Pete Alonso set to hit free agency in the offseason, multiple general managers expect the 29-year-old to be traded. Alonso and the Mets avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $20.5 million contract in January. Alonso reportedly declined a seven-year, $158 million extension last summer and will want “at least $200 million” in free agency.
Because of the Mets’ luxury tax status, they would only receive a fourth-round draft pick if they tagged Alonso with a qualifying offer. So, insiders believe the Mets will trade their All-Star first baseman to better themselves in the long run.
MLB Insiders Reveal Top Trade Destinations for Pete Alonso
While sluggers generally are less coveted than pitchers at the deadline, there are plenty of teams that MLB insiders believe could benefit from having Pete Alonso in their lineup.
Chicago Cubs
Jon Heyman of the New York Post called the Cubs the “obvious potential suitor” for the three-time All-Star. Chicago is expected to be buyers at the deadline and have been linked to Alonso for the past few years. Michael Busch has gotten the bulk of work at first base, but has since lost playing time to Patrick Wisdom. Both Busch and Wisdom have struggled offensively this season, creating a need for more production at first base.
The Cubs trail Milwaukee by 6 1/2 games and are in a three-way tie for the third Wild Card spot. But for the Cubs to contend, they need more offensive firepower, which they would get by trading for Alonso.
Seattle Mariners
Nightengale said Alonso may be the “perfect fit” for the Seattle Mariners who, despite a struggling offense, hold a five-game lead in the AL West. Seattle has a star-studded starting rotation, but they’re hitting only .222 as a team, which is the third-worst in the majors. Their disappointing offensive production led the Mariners to part ways with their offensive coordinator and bench coach last month.
First baseman Ty France had finally started coming around offensively before being placed on the 10-day injured list with a heel fracture over the weekend. Trading for Alonso would give Seattle the offensive punch they need to make just their second playoff appearance since 2002.
Houston Astros
Another team that insiders believe makes sense for Alonso is the Houston Astros. Despite their early struggles and devastating pitching injuries, the Astros are still very much in contention this year. General manager Dana Brown has been clear that Houston will be buyers at the deadline,e and one area of need is at first base.
The Astros rank 29th in offensive production at first base. Houston optioned former MVP José Abreu, to West Palm Beach to work on his swing amid his early offensive struggles. Jon Singleton, who has started 35 games at first base, has not done much for the Astros offensively either. While Houston is expected to be in the market for pitching, Heyman reports the Astros are one of the contenders to land Mets slugger Pete Alonso.
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